Match report: Leicester City 1-1 Arsenal U-23s

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WHAT HAPPENED

Our under-23s moved five points clear of the Premier League 2 relegation zone on Monday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester City.

Daniel Oyegoke returned from injury and started at right back, while Omari Hutchinson came off the bench to make his debut. Marcelo Flores also received his first call-up at this level.

The Foxes started strongly and with less than 15 minutes on the clock they were gifted a golden opportunity to open the scoring. Thanawat Suengchitthawon picked up an underhit backpass to race through on goal and round the keeper, but our defenders tracked his run and managed to make a vital block to put it behind for a corner.

We maintained our focus, though, and following some fine hold-up play from Nikolaj Moller to control a goal kick and play Trae Coyle in behind, our No 11 charged forward and made no mistake in finding the bottom corner.

Shortly after there was some fine combination play between Miguel Azeez and Kido Taylor-Hart, before George Lewis fired over from the edge of the area.

Following the restart, we continued to push forward in search of a second, but despite our best efforts, it was the hosts who struck next.

Suengchitthawon found himself through on goal and saw his initial effort saved by Tom Smith, but the rebound fell kindly and he was on hand to finish at the second time of asking.

Steve Bould’s side knew that all three points would guarantee safety, but with Leicester sitting just one place below us, the remaining half-hour played out as a cagey affair with both sides avoiding turnovers and any late mistakes.